Halachic Highlights

This series on Mikvah Building is in honor of the dedicated KGH community members who have taken it upon themselves to refurbish the current KGH mikvah. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this important mitzvah by donating to this project. Further details will be forthcoming.

Question: Is it permissible for a Sefardi to eat in an Ashkenazi home or restaurant that relies on certain leniencies with respect to bishul akum?

Question: If an akum uses your pot to cook himself (kosher) food, must you kasher the pot?

Short Answer: We pasken that the pot must be kashered.

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum where an akum places food in an oven that was turned on by a Jew a few hours earlier?

Short Answer: Yes, there is still a prohibition of Bishul Akum unless the Jew turned on the fire shortly before the food is cooked by the akum.

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum if an akum heats up food in a microwave oven?

Short Answer: There is no prohibition of Bishul Akum when an akum reheats previously cooked food in a microwave. There is a dispute amongst the contemporary poskim whether there is a prohibition of Bishul Akum when an akum cooks uncooked food in a microwave; but many are lenient, especially in a b’dieved situation.

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum on potatoes, French fries, and potato chips that are cooked by an akum?

Short Answer: Many poskim rule that potatoes are subject to Bishul Akum, while French fries and potato chips are tougher calls. The OU’s position is that French fries and potato chips are not subject to Bishul Akum.